ia ready for sea again. We go to the Tokelaus" (Gilbert Islands) "or
else to the Solomons, and if thou comest on board in the night who is to
know of it but Miti-loa and thyself?"

* Miti-loa--"Long Dream ".

** White men--foreigners.

The mate put his head under the flap of the skylight "Close on to the
reef, sir. Time to go about."

"All right, Carey. Put her round Now Vanaki, up on deck, and over you
go."

Vanaki nodded and smiled, and followed us. Then quickly he took off his
_lava-lava_, deftly wrapped it about his head like an Indian turban, and
held out his hand in farewell, and every one on board cheered as he I
leapt over the side, and began his swim to the land.

From the cross-trees I watched him through my glasses, saw him enter the
passage into smooth water, and disdaining to rest on any of the exposed
and isolated projections of reef which lined the passage, continue his
course towards the village. Then a rain squall hid him from view, but we
knew that he was safe.

That evening we landed our "recruits" at Mulifanua, and after thoroughly
disinfecting the ship, we sailed a few days later for Apia. Here we were
again chartered to proceed to the New Hebrides and Solomon Islands for
another cruise.

As we were refitting, I received a letter from Miti-loa, telling me that
Vanaki was safe, and would be with us in a few days. When he did arrive,
he came with Miti-loa himself in his _taumalua_ (native boat) and a
score of his people. Vanaki was so well made-up as a Samoan that when
he stepped on deck the skipper and I did not recognise him. We sent him
below, and told him to keep quiet until we were well under way.

"Ah," said Miti-loa to us, "what a man is he! Such a swimmer was never
before seen. My young men have made much of him, and I would he would
stay with me."

Vanaki turned out an acquisition to our ship's company, and soon became
a favourite with every one. He was highly delighted when he was placed
on the articles at the usual rate of wages paid to native seamen--L3 per
month. Our crew were natives from all parts of Polynesia, but English
was the language used by them generally to each other. Like all vessels
in the labour trade we carried a double crew--one to man the boats when
recruiting, and one to work the ship when lying "off and on" at any
island where we could not anchor, and Vanaki was greatly pleased when I
told him that he should have a place in my boat, instead of bein